As the name suggests, most of these plants come from dry places, and cope with drought very well. Generally very hardy (especially the Yuccas) these plants tolerate quite severe conditions. To grow well, these plants must have full sun, free draining soil and a sheltered position.

Planted against a wall or a fence with free drainage and in full sun these plants can thrive. To increase their chances, when planting your 'desert dweller' place them on a slight angle so any whater which lands on them can easily slide off. Naturally, these plants can experience -15 or -25 degrees, which would be a dry freeze in the U.K.

Our winters are much wetter, which can kill these plants at much lower temperatures. All these plants thrive in conservatories.

Akamba stock a vast range of palms and cycads suitable for the house and conservatory. All our palms are evergreen and most are very simple to look after. Several species can be grown outside in most parts of the U.K, with basic winter protection. However some species require no protection. Most species are available from seedlings to mature speciments.

Trees and shrubs bring an instant height and structure to the exotic graden. Many are not exotic at all but planted with the right cocktail of exotics they bring new shapes, form and colour as well as seasonal interest to the garden.

The term 'Jungle Leaves' cover anything with big leaves which dies down for winter or may need wrapping up during colder months. For example, Bananas with the symbols H/HH will need their stems protecting to get them through the winter, although many will grow back from the roots if this was not done.

These plants are essential for the exotic garden but remember, they leave big gaps in winter, so should be planted with evergreens such as palms.

No exotic garden would be complete without Tree Ferns. They brighten a shady corner and given plenty of water they reward you with lush tropical foliage. During the spring and summer, your tree ferns need to be watered from the base but mainly, they need to be watered via the top of the trunk daily if possible as this is where most water is collected naturally. More and more species are now being grown outside and with simple protection most will winter well.

At Akamba we are very proud of our bamboo collection and have most species from tiny pots to huge mature specimens.

Their reputation as invasive weeds applies to only a handfull, which are clearly labelled. Any exotic garden must include bamboo. They provide year round interest with evergreen leaves and amazing cane colours. Being evergreen, they also catch the frost, creating a micro-climate in their shadow which can be a degree or two higher than the surrounding area. They enjoy a rich soil with lashings of water in the summer.